With piling and enabling work contracts now finished and main contract work under progress, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has started the first phase of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion at Expo City Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, approved the AED 10 billion extension plans in September of this year. When it is finished, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) will be the largest indoor event venue in the region.
Dubai will be able to quadruple the number of large-scale events it hosts each year from about 300 now to over 600 by 2033 thanks to the expanded DEC, which will serve as the new location for mega exhibitions and solidify the emirates’ position as a major hub for international exhibitions and business events.
In keeping with the ambitious objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the DEC masterplan supports the development of Dubai’s new urban center, which includes Expo City Dubai—the first 15-minute city in the United Arab Emirates—the entire Dubai South neighborhood, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The building project’s first phase is of exceptional magnitude, starting with foundation work that includes 48,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete, 14,000 tonnes of structural steel (the weight of two Eiffel Towers), and 515 piles to support the tower. 78,000 square meters of roof sheeting—the size of 62 Olympic-sized swimming pools—will cover the new show center.
To improve event turnaround times, the construction will also include enlarged marshalling yards and a dedicated parking area. Mace and Egis are among a group of globally recognized consultants that have been hired to oversee the initial stage of the Dubai Exhibition Center’s development.
To triple the sector’s yearly economic contribution to AED54 billion by 2033, the DEC expansion is expected to greatly increase DWTC’s portion of the multibillion-dollar MICE business, building on more than 40 years of consistent economic value generation.
In addition to the venue’s current 46,000 square meters, the first phase will add 64,000 square meters of permanent exhibition halls and about 30,000 square meters of temporary halls. By 2026, this development will increase the overall indoor event hosting capacity to a vast 140,000 square meters, allowing for 50,000 visitors each day.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion marks a transformative era for Dubai’s MICE sector, solidifying our city’s standing as a global powerhouse for mega events. The expanded venue will enable us to double the number of events from 300 to 600 by 2033, setting new international benchmarks for exhibitions and conferences. With this state-of-the-art facility, we are building a next-generation venue to meet the evolving demands of the global events industry, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership as the destination of choice for world-class mega events and exhibitions.”
Amer Al Farsi, Acting Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “The DEC expansion is a pivotal step towards the future of Dubai’s flagship mega exhibitions and events. The first phase alone will increase our purpose-built indoor event hosting capacity to 140,000 square metres. The venue is designed to elevate both the exhibitor and visitor experience while embedding sustainability into every aspect of its design and operations. Beyond its physical footprint, this development serves as a catalyst to redefine the global events industry, with Dubai leading the way.”
From outstanding connectivity and accessibility to cutting-edge digital technology, the expanded DEC will offer more flexibility for a variety of event arrangements. DWTC’s LEED certification from the US Green Building Council, which incorporates several environmentally sensitive design aspects, is proof of their dedication to sustainability. Setting new benchmarks for environmentally friendly exhibition spaces, the enlarged facility will maximize operational effectiveness while reducing its negative effects on the environment.
In order to keep Dubai’s MICE industry moving forward during the development phase, construction is proceeding concurrently with events taking place at the current DEC venue.
